About

Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University (CMU), formerly known as Mesa State College, is a public comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado. The university has its primary campus in central Grand Junction. The university also has other campuses as well; Bishop Campus, which houses Western Colorado Community College in northwestern Grand Junction and a regional campus in Montrose, Colorado. Colorado Mesa University grants two-year associate degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees.

Previously called Mesa State College (MSC), the school attained university status in August 2011, changing its name to Colorado Mesa University.

History

1925 - Founded as Grand Junction Junior College with 39 students enrolled

1932 - Name changed to Grand Junction State Junior College

1933 - Enrollment exceeds 200 for the first time

1937 - Name changed to Mesa College

1957 - Mesa College accredited by North Central Association

1961 - Enrollment exceeds 1,000

1974 - Mesa College authorized to offer baccalaureate degree programs

1988 - Name changed to Mesa State College

1994 - Mesa State authorized to offer graduate degree programs

2003 - Independent Board of Trustees created by H.B. 1093

2005 - Formally created two-year, open admission division Western Colorado Community College

2010 - Enrollment exceeds 8,000 for the first time

2011 - June 6, 2011 Governor John Hickenlooper signed the bill to approve name change to Colorado Mesa University.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees consists of eleven trustees (nine voting and two non-voting members). The voting members are appointed by the Colorado Governor, confirmed by the Colorado State Senate and serve staggered terms. The Colorado Mesa University Student Trustee is elected by the Student-body and is considered to be one of the most influential positions in the University and College System. The Senatus Academicus names a member from their ranks to serve as the eleventh member. The Board meets regularly throughout the year and is charged with the task of hiring the President, guiding the mission, and overseeing the budget.

Academics

Colorado Mesa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Accreditation by this agency places credits earned at the university on par with those earned at other similarly accredited institutions throughout the United States. In 2010, Forbes magazine listed Mesa State College at No. 555 on their 610 "Best Colleges" list.

Financial aid

During the 2010-2011 school year, Colorado Mesa University distributed over $48 million in financial aid to 75% of the student body population through scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. In addition to funding from the college, the Mesa State Foundation awarded more than $300,000 in private scholarships to over 300 students.

Residence Life

Colorado Mesa University offers options for students to live on campus. There are currently over 2,000 students living on campus in one of eleven residential buildings consisting of traditional rooms, suites and pods, and apartments. In 2014, construction began on a 2 phase addition to Garfield Hall with phase 1 and phase 2 scheduled to be completed August 2014 and January 2015, respectively.

Residence halls and apartments are governed by the Residence Hall Association (RHA). RHA focuses a large portion of their effort toward being the residents' voice and advocating residents' issues to the Housing department and the campus. RHA works closely with housing administration to produce positive changes in campus living. In addition to their governmental and liaison roles with the college, RHA plans and executes events, programs and community service projects for residents' enjoyment.

The Residence Hall Council (RHC) is an extension of RHA and acts as the governing body for each residence hall. The RHC of each building is composed of an elected executive board (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), and an RHA Representative.

Notable buildings

Houston Hall

Houston Hall has the reputation of being the first building on campus. Built in 1940, it is named for the college's first president, Dr. Clifford G. Houston. Prior to its construction, the college had occupied an abandoned school building (the old Lowell School) in the city's downtown area. During the 2011 expansion and renovation project, delicate care was taken to seamlessly match the ornamental brick facade of the new wing with that of the original building.

Lowell Heiny Hall

Originally built in 1967 to house the college library, previously located in Houston Hall, Lowell Heiny Hall now houses faculty offices.

The University Center

The current University Center building was built in 2010 to replace the aging W.W. Campbell College Center. The new University Center houses the main campus dining facilities including: Dining Hall, Bookcliff Cafe, Starbucks Coffee, and a small convenience store. The center also houses the Associated Student Government, The Criterion campus newspaper, KMSA 91.3FM, Bookstore, Ballroom, student lounges, Well's Fargo bank branch, MAV Card Office, and the Student Life office which contains some club offices.

Moss Performing Arts Center

The Moss Performing Arts Center, named for local Colorado Mesa University supporters John and Angie Moss, provides music, dance and theatre students with the facilities needed to let their creativity shine. The Center, which recently underwent a $5.1 million renovation and expansion, is home to the 600-seat William S. Robinson Theatre, a 300-seat recital hall, the Walter Walker Reception Area, the Mesa Experimental Theatre, a design studio, numerous music practice rooms, smart technology classrooms, faculty offices and a dance studio with panoramic views of the Grand Valley.

Moss is the home to the Theatre and Music Departments which offer a variety of entertainment for the campus and local community throughout the year.

Tomlinson Library

By 1984 the library's collection had outgrown Lowell Heiny Library and plans were made to build the collection a new home. The new library was dedicated in 1986. Recognized as an architectural gem in American School and University magazine the library was named for outgoing college president John U. Tomlinson in 1988 to honor his commitment to improved library services at the college. Tomlinson Library now contains over 190,000 volumes, including a large government documents collection, and a world class geology library. It is equipped with state-of-the-art computer technology and is considered one of the finest small college libraries in the state.

Other major buildings

Dominguez Hall

Escalante Hall (opens Fall 2014)

Little Mavericks Learning Center

Wubben Hall and Science Center

Athletics

CMU Mavericks mascot logo

CMU's athletic teams are known as the Mavericks, their mascot is symbolized by a rearing bull's head with flaring nostrils. Official colors are maroon, white, and gold. Student body fans are known as The Herd.